The Science of Superman

In the 1960s, the explanation for Superman’s powers was revised: his super strength, ability to fly, and more came not only from the high gravity of Krypton but also from growing up under a yellow sun instead of a red one. Unfortunately for Superman, light is light. The light from a red sun would merely have a smaller occurrence of high frequencies than the light from a yellow sun. Infrared light would be more common, but that’s about it. Red star or yellow star, Super-man’s powers would be the same.

Superman is one of the most fascinating characters in comic books, and he’s one of the most recognizable characters on Earth. He’s one of those people we wish could exist, but doesn’t. Visitors from other planets are possible. Superman’s not.

Editor's Note Oct 2004 - My thoughts and best wishes to the family and friends of a genuine 'Superman', Christopher Reeve who has just passed away. His tireless campaigning for Stem Cell Research has created a legacy from which all of us will benefit.

An abridged extract from The Science of Superheroes by Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg. Copyright © 2003. Extracted with permission of the publisher John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This book is available at all bookstores, online booksellers and from the Wiley web site at www.wileyeurope.com

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Lois Gresh has been nominated for national fiction awards six times. She is also co-author with Robert Weinberg of The Computers of Star Trek.

Robert Weinberg is a two time winner of the World Fantasy Award and also writes for Marvel Comics.

And on DVD: the rise and rise of Superman

Discover how the World's greatest superhero was created and developed into the latest movie incarnation in ‘Superman Returns’ in 'The Amazing Story of Superman'- now just $9.88

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